Person: Nikola Tesla

Age Group(s): Owlys (15-18)

Hello, Teachers!

PREDICTION / BRAINSTORMING FOR STUDENTS
1. What do you know about electricity and how it powers our modern world?
2. Can you name any famous inventors who worked with electricity? What do you know about them?
3. How do you think the world would be different if we didn’t have electricity in our homes?
4. What qualities do you think an inventor needs to be successful?

WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN

1. Understand the life and achievements of Nikola Tesla, a pioneering inventor in electrical engineering
2. Explore the concept of alternating current (AC) and its impact on modern power systems
3. Analyze the “War of Currents” and its significance in the history of technology
4. Examine Tesla’s innovative thinking and problem-solving approaches
5. Discuss the challenges faced by inventors and scientists in bringing new ideas to fruition
6. Evaluate the long-term impact of Tesla’s inventions on modern technology
7. Explore the concept of wireless power transmission and its potential applications Understand

KEYWORDS

Nikola Tesla, alternating current (AC), electrical engineering, innovation, wireless power, Tesla coil,War of Currents, analytical thinking, complexity, invention, perseverance, scientific vision, electromagnetic fields, induction motor, radio technology, renewable energy

A QUICK SUMMARY

Nikola Tesla was a brilliant inventor and electrical engineer whose work revolutionized the field of electrical power systems and laid the foundation for many modern technologies. Born in 1856 in what is now Croatia, Tesla showed exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age. After studying electrical engineering in Europe, he emigrated to the United States in 1884, where he briefly worked for Thomas Edison before striking out on his own.

Tesla’s most significant contribution was the development of alternating current (AC) power systems, which proved more efficient for long-distance power transmission than Edison’s direct current (DC) systems. This led to the famous “War of Currents,” ultimately resulting in the widespread adoption of AC power. Tesla also invented the AC induction motor and transformer, which are still fundamental to many electrical devices today.

Another of Tesla’s notable inventions was the Tesla coil, a high-voltage transformer that laid the groundwork for wireless communication and power transmission. Throughout his career, Tesla continued to explore cutting-edge concepts in electricity and magnetism, envisioning a world of wireless power and global communication networks.

Despite his groundbreaking work, Tesla faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and patent disputes. He died in 1943, relatively unknown and in poverty. However, his legacy has grown tremendously over time, and he is now recognized as one of the most influential inventors in history.

Please remember that the content below is for guidance only and that the students need to do their own research about the person.